Salmon taking plusses from 400m hurdles final experience
TOKYO, Japan — For Shiann Salmon, reaching the women’s 400m hurdles final at the World Athletics Championships was more than a test of speed and stamina — it was a triumph over a season riddled with challenges and setbacks.
Salmon crossed the line in eighth place in a time of 56.27 seconds, in the event that was won by the Netherland’s Femke Bol, 51.54 seconds, ahead of Jasmine Jones (USA), 52.08 and Slovakia’s Emma Zapletalova, 53.00.
“First off, I want to thank God. In my opinion, I overachieved,” Salmon reflected. “I have been having some challenges, couldn’t break 54 seconds all season, struggling to break 55 seconds, and I was able to come here and be in the final so I am very grateful.”
Despite not claiming a medal, Salmon said she is generally satisfied with her performance.
“I would definitely say that I am satisfied. To be in the final means you are among the best. Even if I finished eighth in the final, I am still one of the best at this point,” she said.
Salmon, who has twice been a world championships semi-finalist and an Olympic finalist last year, sees this experience as a stepping stone rather than a setback.
“It will most definitely serve me well, going forward. Consistency is always good, and going forward it will definitely push me to achieve more,” she noted.
“I think I am just as good as everybody else. Looking at the times that medalled, if I had run the best race that I ever run I would be on the podium but things happen for a reason, and this season was just a down season for me. I will just go back, work on the problems I have and come back much better for next season.”
Salmon’s personal best stands at 52.97 seconds, which she achieved last year at the Zurich Diamond League.
For the 26-year-old, the journey is about more than podium finishes — it is about growth, consistency, and the quiet satisfaction of knowing that even a challenging season can yield meaningful progress.
“Being in the final consistently, after a season that tested me in every way, gives me confidence that I can overcome obstacles and continue to compete at the highest level,” she said.
